Kyrie Irving has been ruled out for Friday's content as a late scratch with an illness. This would've been a big game for Irving going against his former team, but instead, he'll be sidelined. READ MORE: Previewing Cavaliers' Lineup for Mavericks January Matchup The Cavaliers drafted Irving,

In the fourth game of their lengthy Western Conference road trip, the Cavs will be without one of their top perimeter shooting threat.

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving is expected to miss at least three games with a lumbar sprain in his back and could be out as many as two weeks, ESPN reported Monday.

That decision forced the Thunder to stick close to the Mavericks' role players throughout the first quarter. Once Washington scored the first five points, Irving asserted himself and drained a 3-pointer before finishing at the basket with a finger roll to give the Mavericks an early 10-0 lead.

Irving is listed on the injury report as he continues to deal with a lumbar back sprain. Meanwhile, Dereck Lively II (right ankle sprain), Luka Doncic (left calf strain) and Dante Exum (right wrist surgery) are all out for Friday's game. It is worth noting that Mavs head coach Jason Kidd previously said he expects Irving to play on Friday.

Mavs star Kyrie Irving confirmed after Tuesday night's loss that he was diagnosed with a bulging disk in his lower back and would have to continue managing the injury.

Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving returned to the court on Tuesday after missing five games due to a bulging disc in his back.

Kyrie Irving returned to Dallas’ lineup on Tuesday and finished with 11 points on 4-for-18 shooting vs. Denver. • Get NBA League Pass TODAY Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving, who has been sidelined since Jan.